West Virginia tends to get a bit of a bad rap. Whenever I tell someone that I grew up/went to school there, I get the typical antiquated responses. “Are your parents cousins?” “You have nice teeth though.” “I love Virginia!” Come on, guys. Haven’t we gone over this? West Virginia isn’t all hillbillies and bare feet. The Bachelorette whisked her date to the Greenbrier in this week’s episode and as a matter of fact, it may be more Sex and the City than one might think (Sarah Jessica Parker stayed in Wheeling during the birth of her twins via surrogate).

Even when I don’t have a literal home of my own and can’t figure out where I want to be, West Virginia always feels like home to me. With its rolling hills, friendly faces, and unrivaled natural beauty (have you seen my sorority sisters), West Virginia hardly lives up to its reputation. It defies it. And I’m willing to bet if I didn’t tell you, you wouldn’t even know I was there…